Is your business stalled by lack of capital? Is money the only thing standing between you and a major breakthrough? Overcoming financing challenges and growing a successful business is never easy, but a series of upcoming webinars in September can boost the chances for science, technology, and innovation entrepreneurs.
Sci-Tech North is pleased to announce the Access to Capital Program, a provincial initiative in partnership with the BC Regional Science & Technology Network (BCRSTN), a not-for-profit society whose members represent the eight regional councils within the Province.
Within the regions of BC, access to capital is a key barrier to the growth of innovative companies as many businesses are stalled by the lack of capital, and overcoming this challenge and growing a successful business requires additional support. A major drawback for many companies is a limited knowledge of funding sources for start-up, research, development and expansion.
In partnership with the BC Regional Science & Technology Network (BCRSTN), Sci-Tech North is offering an Access the Capital webinar series. The Access to Capital Program was created by the Mid-Island Science, Technology & Innovation Council (MISTIC) and developed in consultation with Tom O’Flaherty, former President of Bedford and Richmond Software (Maximizer). This program has proven to increase the chances for entrepreneurs by assisting in identifying appropriate funding sources, preparing for various funder requirements, developing a properly prepared plan, and creating linkages with peers and investors. The program will be facilitated by Tom and delivered as a series of four webinar sessions using GoToWebinar as the program delivery platform.
The Accessing Money: How to Beat the Odds is the first webinar of the Access to Capital Program, which will be presented in a 1 hour live session. During this webinar session, participants will be able to identify the appropriate source of funding they can access based on the type and stage of their business. Tom will deliver the Accessing Money: How to Beat the Odds webinar and discuss overcoming financing challenges to grow very successful companies. The webinar will also include who/what are the main sources of financing; what does each source of capital look for in an investment; and how to match up your business’s needs with suitable financing options.
The next three webinars, Becoming Investable: Business Plan and Targeting Your Market; Becoming Investable: Corporate Matters; and Becoming Investable: Valuation, Projections, Exit, will be presented as three 1 hour live webinar sessions. These webinars are for entrepreneurs that have identified that they are ready to access outside money. The session will provide entrepreneurs with information to assist them with preparing for investor presentations to access outside funding, including venture capital.
Upcoming LIVE Webinar Dates
September 2010
• Webinar Session #1 – Accessing Money: How to Beat the Odds
Tuesday, September 14, 2010 | 12:00 – 1:00pm
• Webinar Session #2 – Becoming Investable: Business Plan
and Targeting Your Market
Thursday, September 16, 2010 | 12:00 – 1:00pm
• Webinar Session #3 – Becoming Investable: Corporate Matters
Tuesday, September 21, 2010 | 12:00 – 1:00pm
• Webinar Session #4 – Becoming Investable: Valuation, Projections, Exit
Thursday, September 23, 2010 | 12:00 – 1:00pm
February 2011
• Webinar Session #1 – Accessing Money: How to Beat the Odds
Tuesday, February 15, 2011 | 12:00 – 1:00pm
• Webinar Session #2 – Becoming Investable: Business Plan
and Targeting Your Market
Thursday, February 17, 2011 | 12:00 – 1:00pm
• Webinar Session #3 – Becoming Investable: Corporate Matters
Tuesday, February 22, 2011 |12:00 – 1:00pm
• Webinar Session #4 – Becoming Investable: Valuation, Projections, Exit
Thursday, February 24, 2011 | 12:00 – 1:00pm
Entrepreneurs participating in these webinar sessions will receive an electronic copy of the comprehensive resource manual once they register and pay for the session. The cost of each webinar is $15 per participant. If you are unable to participate in the live webinar sessions, entrepreneurs can register to view the archived version. The cost of each archived webinar is $15 per participant.
Also included with the Access to Capital Program is individual business coaching assistance from a science and technology network Business Coach, to assist the business owner with developing a properly prepared business plan and presentation utilizing the information received from this webinar series. If entrepreneurs wish, a review panel made up of successful business mentors will provide feedback regarding your Executive Summary and investor/funder presentation.
For more information about the Access to Capital Program call the Sci-Tech North office at 250 785 9600.